Monday, January 29, 2018

Crime News Update

Editor's note: The crime news reported by the Southwest Chicago Post---taken directly from Chicago Police Department incident reports---is not by any means an exhaustive catalogue of all crime reported in the Chicago Lawn (8th) District. For example, it typically does not include news of crimes committed in the eastern and southern sectors of the district---because the Southwest Chicago Post's coverage area is primarily the neighborhoods that border Midway Airport and secondarily because including the relatively large volume of crime news from elsewhere in the district would be a logistical challenge. We make this note to offer a little helpful perspective and remind everyone that while crime is definitely a concern in all parts of the district (as it always has been), crime remains relatively low overall in the western section of the district. May all of us work together diligently to keep it that way. May all of us also remember that a person charged with a crime is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

* * *

Drives down alley, shot in the back
A 23-year-old woman was shot in the back as she drove a car down an alley in the 6000 block of South Troy at 2:57 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 28. The victim was transported to Advocate Christ Medical Center, where she was listed in stable condition. She told police that she heard shots and felt pain. No one is in custody.

Charge two with store burglary
A 24-year-old Chicago Lawn man and a 37-year-old West Englewood man were
Murray
arrested and charged with burglary after they allegedly broke into a wireless communications store at 2419 W. 71st St. at 8:54 p.m. Monday, Jan. 22. Nemroy Murray, of the 2500 block of West 71st Street, and Antwon L. Riley, of the 7100 block of South Winchester, were apprehended by police in the 7000 block of South Artesian, after a short foot chase. Police responding to a burglar alarm said they saw Murray, Riley and another man behind the store, loading stolen items into a vehicle. Police said that the stolen items, which they did not name, were returned to the store.







* * *

Want to work directly with Chicago Police to prevent crime in your neighborhood? If you live in Beat 834 (see map), come to Bogan High School, 3939 W. 79th St., at 7:00 p.m. Thursday, February 1 and attend your monthly CAPS meeting. Hear updates on crime in your neighborhood and learn how you can work with neighbors and police to make the community safer and better for all.

* * *

Woman with daughter carjacked at knifepoint
A 39-year-old Chicago Lawn woman was carjacked at knifepoint in front of her home in the 6600 block of South Fairfield at about 8 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 24. The victim told police she had just put her daughter in the vehicle when a thug walked up and waved a knife. She removed her daughter from the back seat, and the offender jumped in and sped away north on Fairfield. The criminal was described as a black man age 25-30, about 5-foot-5 and 150 pounds, with brown eyes, short black hair and a medium complexion. The vehicle is a brown, four-door 2004 Nissan.

Carjacked at gunpoint by trio of thugs
A 53-year-old Scottsdale man was carjacked at gunpoint as he entered his car, parked in the 4600 block of West 82nd Place at 8:20 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 23. The victim told police that three offenders walked up, one brandished a pistol and ordered him out of the vehicle. As he did, they rifled through his pockets, stealing $80 cash. They then got into the car, a black, four-door 2006 Mercedes-Benz, and sped away. The thugs were described as black men. The gunman was about 18 years old, 5-foot-11 and 150 pounds, with a dark complexion. He wore a red jacket.


Beaten, robbed by two thugs in hoodies
An 18-year-old West Elsdon man was beaten and robbed as he walked down a sidewalk in front of 4127 W. 63rd St. at 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 24. The victim told police that two criminals approached him, with one saying, “We are beating the sh~t out of you. Give me all your stuff.” One attacker then hit him in the back of his head, while the other snatched away his cellphone. Both then ran away. Descriptions of the offenders were vague, since they both wore hoodies and used them to cover their faces.

Woman whacked in head, robbed by four toughs
A 63-year-old Archer Heights woman was hit in the head and robbed of her purse as she walked down a sidewalk in front of 4755 S. Hamlin at 7:45 p.m. Monday, Jan. 22. The victim told police that four thugs jumped out of an older, dark-colored Dodge Caravan, surrounded her and demanded her valuables. One of them hit her in the head with a blunt object, and the others took her purse. They then fled south on Hamlin then west on Archer. Descriptions were vague. All attackers were said to be about 30-35 years old, between 5-foot-7 and 5-foot-11 with dark complexions and dark clothing. The victim said her purse contained $25 cash, a debit card, a bankbook and other items.

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Punk robs woman outside coin laundry
A 60-year-old Scottsdale woman was robbed as she walked out of Su Nueva Lavandería, 4646 S. Kedzie, at about 3 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 23. The victim, an employee of the coin laundry, told police that a boy ran up to her, snatched away her cellphone and ran away. He was described as a Hispanic boy age 16-17, wearing a black jacket and a black skull cap.

Teen thieves steal packages from mailman’s vehicle
Two teenagers entered a U.S. Postal Service vehicle parked in front of 8130 S. Karlov and stole a number of packages. The crime was discovered by a neighbor, who alerted the letter carrier, a 52-year-old Back of the Yards man, at about 11 a.m. Monday, Jan. 22. The postal employee told police he had been away from the vehicle, making deliveries on foot. He added that he believed he had locked the vehicle, which showed no sign of forced entry. Some of the packages were later recovered from a garbage can in the area.


Big haul in home heist on Kilbourn
Burglars entered a home in the 5700 block of South Kilbourn and stole two laptop computers, two TVs, 10 gold rings, 14 diamond rings, six passports, $1,200 cash, about $16,000 in foreign currency, and several foreign credit cards. The crime was discovered by the victim, a 35-year-old woman, at about 5 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 24.

Burglars kill family pit bull
Burglars kicked in the back door of a home in the 5100 block of South Normandy, killed a pit bull inside and rummaged through the premises. The crime was discovered by the victim, a 23-year-old man, at 3:20 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 10. It was initially unclear what, if anything, had been stolen.


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Burglars hit house under construction
Burglars smashed the basement window of a home under construction in the 5300 block of South Neva, entered and stole a bath tub, two table saws, two mitre saws, an air compressor, two nail guns, and four cordless drills and chargers. The crime was discovered by the victim, a 47-year-old Hinsdale man working as a contractor, at about 8 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 23. Surveillance video from a nearby camera showed as many as four burglars loading items into a station wagon or mid-sized SUV.

Garage on Karlov burglarized
Burglars kicked in the service door of a garage in the 6800 block of South Karlov and stole a lawnmower and two hedge trimmers, among other items. The crime was discovered by the victim, a 33-year-old woman, when she came home at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 25.



Designer sunglasses stolen from vehicle
Burglars entered a garage in the 3800 block of West 60th Street and stole $25 cash and a pair of Rayban sunglasses from a vehicle parked inside. The crime was discovered by the victim, a 60-year-old woman, at about 10 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 24.

Elderly man’s lawnmower, snow blower stolen
Burglars forced open the service door of a garage in the 3800 block of West 69th Place and stole a lawnmower, a snow blower and assorted tools. The crime was discovered by the victim, an 87-year-old man, at 8:30 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 24.


Toolbox swiped from garage on Ridgeway
Burglars entered a garage in the 7200 block of South Ridgeway and stole a toolbox and assorted tools. The crime was reported to police by the victim, a 56-year-old woman, at 2:48 p.m. Monday, Jan. 22, three days after it occurred.

No sign of forced entry in Kedvale burglary
Burglars entered a house in the 6600 block of South Kedvale and stole a laptop computer, assorted jewelry and about $200 cash. The crime was discovered by the victim, a 28-year-old man, at 12:30 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 21. Police said there did not appear to be signs of forced entry.


Charge Tinley Park woman with drug possession
Police charged Tinley Park resident Renee Zagajowski, 29, with four counts of possession
Zagajowski
of a controlled substance after they curbed her vehicle and searched her in front of 2356 W. 73rd St. at 1:37 p.m. Monday, Jan. 22. Police on patrol said they saw her appear to purchase something from a man in an alley in the 7300 block of South Oakley. The man escaped. Police said a search of Zagajowski yielded 12 Ziploc bags containing heroin, as well as 78 pills believed to be Xanax, a tranquilizer.







Police seize gun from Oak Lawn gang member
Police confiscated a handgun from a 17-year-old Oak Lawn boy as he walked down a sidewalk in the 5500 block of South Kildare at 1:22 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 24. Police responding to a “suspicious person” call found the teen, an admitted gang member, and detained him. A pat down yielded the .22 caliber gun with seven live rounds. The teen told police that he carried the gun because he feared that rival gang members may try to kill him.




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Friday, January 26, 2018

St. Laurence High School May Admit Girls to Class of 2021 This Fall

St. Laurence High School is gauging interest from families who have daughters who will be sophomores during the 2018-19 school year for potential admission into the school.


The decision comes after receiving interest from parents with daughters that are part of the graduating Class of 2021 who want to transfer to St. Laurence.

St. Laurence opened its doors to girls for the first time in the 2017-18 school year. The school originally only accepted girls in the sophomore through senior classes, but has received several inquiries about transfer students in the Class of 2021 in the past year.


Families can fill out an interest form at www.stlaurence.com/2021girls.

Upon filling out the form, families will be contacted by St. Laurence staff members regarding next steps.

St. Laurence will also be holding an information night at 7 p.m. Thursday, February 22 to share details about the transfer process, coed transition and background on the school.


Families will be expected to submit unofficial transcripts and a registration fee and partial tuition payment no later than Friday, March 2. Based on the number of families who apply and qualify, a decision will be made the week of March 12. If the school decides not to accept the class, the fee will be refunded. The fee will be non-refundable after the date of announcement.

Families with questions about St. Laurence or about the transfer process can contact Director of Admissions Joe Spano at jspano@stlaurence.com or (708) 458-6900, ext. 252.






Kennedy Wrestler Captures City Crown

Jason Joy confident throughout tournament

By Tim Hadac
Managing Editor
Southwest Chicago Post

Kennedy High School wrestler Jason Joy brought home a
Jason Joy atop the winners' platform.
city crown last weekend after he edged a rival grappler from Mather High School, 10-9, to capture the Chicago Public Schools championship.


Though the final match was described as a "nail-biter" by one of his coaches, Joy said he felt "pretty confident" throughout the struggle, as well as his earlier triumphs in the two-day tournament, held first at Back of the Yards College Prep and then at Chicago State University.

Joy wrestled at 220 pounds and defeated a total of four opponents on the way to the crown.


The new champ with Coaches Carroll (left) and Mosley.
A junior at Kennedy, the Crusader wrestler started in the sport as a freshman, getting stronger and better each year, according to De Andre Mosley, a wrestling coach at the school.

"He's a phenomenal kid," Mosley said. "He's one of the most dedicated athletes we have at the school--always looking to improve, as well as help his teammates."

Joy, a Garfield Ridge resident and 2015 graduate of Byrne Elementary School, played basketball in grade school and plays 16-inch softball for Kennedy.

As an athlete, he plans to up his game even more over the summer with weight training and wrestling, in anticipation of defending his title in the 2018-19 season--with a college career on the mats on the horizon.

Joining Mosley in congratulating Joy were Kennedy coach Dan Carroll, athletic director Mario Silva, Principal George Szkapiak and others.


Thursday, January 25, 2018

Cub Scouts Serving Spaghetti Dinner



If you enjoy a good spaghetti dinner and want to help the boys of Cub Scout Pack 4441, bring your family, friends, neighbors, appetite and cash to St. Mary Star of the Sea School, 64th and Kenneth (Door number 5) from 5 to 8 p.m. Saturday, January 27.

For just $6 per person, you get all-you-can-eat spaghetti. There will also be a bake sale, raffle baskets and a 50/50 raffle. 

See you there?


Byrne's Top Spellers Taste V-i-c-t-o-r-y

The top spellers at Byrne Elementary School
were crowned recently,
and the Southwest Chicago Post
is pleased to share the results.

Congratulations to the winners, as well as all who competed.




For grades 3 through 5, Jada Nomikos won, with Lucas Lopez finishing second.



For grades 6 through 8, Isabella Schuch is the school champion, with Melanie Aceves a close second.

Teacher Robert Gebel, spelling bee coordinator, said that the school is aligned with the Scripps National Spelling Bee, and the next step is for Isabella to take a CPS spelling and vocabulary test within the next few weeks. If she scores in the top 50, she qualifies for the CPS Citywide Bee at the Lindblom Math & Science Academy on March 15. The winner of that will head to Washington D.C. for the National Spelling Bee.

Carrie Hobbs, a special education teacher, served as pronouncer in the Byrne Spelling Bee.



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Wednesday, January 24, 2018

SXU Hosts Mardi Gras on 115th Street

Alumni of Saint Xavier University are invited to gather family and friends, don your best Mardi Gras attire and be a part of the Halfway to Homecoming celebration, set for 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 9 at 115 Bourbon Street, 3359 W. 115th Street, Merrionette Park.

Admission is $35 if purchased online at sxu.edu, $40 at the door. The celebration will feature a Mardi Gras-style atmosphere with food, drinks, music, dancing and more.

A portion of the event's proceeds will benefit Swift Outdoor Accessible Recreation (SOAR), a Mokena-based not-for-profit that raises funds to improve the lives of people living with paralysis.

For details, click the image below. Laissez les bon temps roulez!


Crime News Update

Editor's note: The crime news reported by the Southwest Chicago Post---taken directly from Chicago Police Department incident reports---is not by any means an exhaustive catalogue of all crime reported in the Chicago Lawn (8th) District. For example, it typically does not include news of crimes committed in the eastern and southern sectors of the district---because the Southwest Chicago Post's coverage area is primarily the neighborhoods that border Midway Airport and secondarily because including the relatively large volume of crime news from elsewhere in the district would be a logistical challenge. We make this note to offer a little helpful perspective and remind everyone that while crime is definitely a concern in all parts of the district (as it always has been), crime remains relatively low overall in the western section of the district. May all of us work together diligently to keep it that way. May all of us also remember that a person charged with a crime is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

* * *

Reputed gang member shot in head, killed
A 28-year-old man said by police to be a documented gangbanger was shot to death as he drove a car at 59th and Springfield at about 2 a.m. Monday, Jan. 22. Thomas Hernandez was found at the wheel of a red Chrysler PT Cruiser, with several gunshot wounds to the head. The vehicle had crashed into a parked vehicle, police added. Hernandez was pronounced dead at the scene. No one is in custody, and detectives are investigating. Authorities did not say where Hernandez lived.

Pedestrian, struck killed by hit-and-run driver
Police continue to investigate a hit-and-run crash that killed a 50-year-old West Side man in the 8500 block of South Cicero at about 9:45 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 20. The victim was identified as James D. Hughes, of the 1600 block of West LeMoyne. Autopsy results are still not available from the Cook County Medical Examiner's Office. Police have not shared a description of the offender’s vehicle.

* * *

Want to work directly with Chicago Police to prevent crime in your neighborhood? If you live in Beat 834 (see map), come to Bogan High School, 3939 W. 79th St., at 7:00 p.m. Thursday, February 1 and attend your monthly CAPS meeting. Hear updates on crime in your neighborhood and learn how you can work with neighbors and police to make the community safer and better for all.

* * *

Bust teen on probation for Gage Park shooting
A 17-year-old boy has been charged with attempted murder, aggravated battery and attempted robbery after he allegedly shot a man in the neck at about 11:45 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 21 in the 5700 block of South Mozart. The victim was transported to Stroger Hospital, where he was listed in good condition. The teen, a Chicago Lawn resident, reportedly shot the victim when the victim refused his demand of valuables and tried to push the gun away. The teen was apprehended after a brief pursuit by police. Prosecutors said that officers recovered a handgun and a magazine with four live rounds after he was caught, according to a published report. The shooting was captured on video surveillance, police added, and the victim reportedly made a positive ID of the offender. According to a published report, the suspect was on probation for a robbery committed last year. He is due back in court on Feb. 9.

Gunman throws woman to floor, robs store
A thug robbed Boost Mobile, 8337 S. Pulaski, at 10:45 a.m. Monday, Jan. 15, making off with two iPhones. A store manager told police that the robber initially posed as a customer. When she went to the stock room to retrieve a phone he asked about, he followed—throwing her to the floor and taking the phone she had just retrieved. When he threatened to beat her if she did not give him more phones, she began to cry and say she is pregnant. The robber then ran out of the store, grabbing a second iPhone on his way out. The thug was described as a black man age 18-22, about 5-foot-9 and 160 pounds, with brown eyes and a medium complexion. He wore a baseball cap with a light-colored brim, a green bomber-style jacket, a blue hoody and blue jogging pants.


Armed robber makes cashier lie on floor
An armed thug robbed Las Rosas grocery store, 4302 W. 55th St., making off with $150 cash. A cashier at the store—a 57-year-old Chicago Lawn woman—told police that the gunman walked in at 2:10 p.m. Monday, Jan. 15, waved a pistol partially concealed in plastic and demanded cash from the register. After she complied, he ordered her to lie on the floor, which she did. He then fled the store. The thug was described as a black man about 5-foot-11 and 170 pounds. He wore a green construction vest, a mask concealing part of his face, dark clothing and gloves.

Threatened with death unless he gives password
A 45-year-old Chicago Lawn man was robbed at gunpoint as he worked on his vehicle on the street in the 6400 block of South Fairfield at 8:25 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 20. The victim told police that two men walked up from behind. One pointed a pistol at his chest and said, “Give me all your stuff.” The other went through his pockets, taking his cellphone and debit card. Referring to the debit card, the robber with the gun said, “If you don’t give me the password, I’ll f~cking kill you.” He also told the criminals he did not know the password to unlock the phone. They then ran away north on Fairfield and east on 64th Street. The thugs were described as black men age 18-23, about 5-foot-11 and 170 pounds, with medium complexions. Both wore hoodies and black jeans.

garfieldridgenw.com

Shopper robbed in ALDI parking lot
A 35-year-old Gage Park man was robbed at gunpoint in the parking lot of ALDI, 6025 S. Western, at about 6 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 10. The victim told police that four men approached. Two pointed guns in his face while the others went through his pockets. They stole his wallet, which he said contained $650 cash, a $100 Target gift card, a Social Security card and a driver’s license.

No crime scene found where woman says she was shot
A 22-year-old Chicago Lawn woman said she was shot in the hand as she struggled with an armed robber in the 3700 block of West 62nd Street at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 18. Interviewed at Holy Cross Hospital, where she was being treated for a graze wound, the victim told police she was standing outside her vehicle and had just picked up her children when an armed robber approached and asked if she had a cigar. When she said no, he asked if she had any change. When she said no, he grabbed her purse and shot her in the struggle. He fled with her purse and was described as a black man age 29-35, about 5-foot-8 and 175 pounds, with brown eyes and a tattoo on his left hand. Police investigating said they did not find evidence of a crime scene in the 3700 block of West 62nd Street.


Woman thwarts robber at gas station
A 28-year-old Brighton Park woman thwarted a thug who tried to snatch her cellphone as she stood next to her vehicle at a gas station at 59th and Lawndale at 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 20. The victim told police that she struggled briefly and that the robber gave up his attempt. He then got into a nearby vehicle driven by a woman he called “babe,” and she started the vehicle—a silver sedan—and sped away with him inside. The criminal was described as a Hispanic man age 19-20, about 5-foot-7 and 150 pounds, with brown eyes and short black hair. He wore a black baseball cap and camouflage pants.

Punched in face, robbed by gangbanger
A 19-year-old man was punched in the face and robbed as he walked through Bogan Park, near 81st and Pulaski, at 7:40 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 20. The victim told police that the robber shouted a gang slogan while the crime occurred. Taken were the victim’s cellphone, Ventra card, debit card and state ID. The thug was described as a Hispanic man age 18-20, about 5-foot-6 and 175 pounds, wearing a black jacket and dark blue jeans.

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Fleeing works for man in garage
A 41-year-old West Lawn man thwarted an armed robbery when he ran away from the gunman. The victim told police that he was working in his garage in the 3900 block of West 59th Street at about noon Thursday, Jan. 18 when a criminal walked in, waving a gun and asking for money. The victim responded by running away and closing the garage door. The gunman also fled. The thug was described as a Hispanic man age 18-20, about 5-foot-11 and 150 pounds, with hazel eyes and a light complexion.

Elderly man frustrates armed robber
A 77-year-old West Lawn man thwarted an armed robber in his garage in the 6700 block of South Kostner at about 12:05 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 18. The victim told police that the gunman demanded his money. When he said he had no money, the criminal said, “Give me your cellphone then.” When the victim replied that he does not believe in cellphones, the gunman ran away. He was described as a Hispanic man age 30-35, about 5-foot-10 and 140 pounds, with brown eyes, black hair and an olive complexion, He wore a dark blue hoody and a black mask.




Man loses Tommy wallet in overnight stickup
A 23-year-old West Lawn man was robbed at gunpoint as he walked down a sidewalk in front of 7100 S. Lawndale at 2:55 a.m. Friday, Jan. 19. The victim told police that two punks walked up and asked, “What gang are you?” When the victim did not respond, one displayed a pistol and said, “Give me your sh~t.” The victim surrendered his Tommy Hilfiger wallet, which contained $100 cash, a debit card, a Social Security card and a birth certificate. The robbers then ran away north on Lawndale. The thugs were described as Hispanic men age 18-22.

Burglars swipe cash in pizza-parlor heist
Burglars pried open the side door of Angie’s Pizza, 8352 S. Pulaski, and stole about $200 from a cash register. The crime was reported by the owner, a 57-year-old man, shortly after 5 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 20, after he was notified of the break-in at the popular pizzeria by an alarm company.


Burglars fail to break into Wok This Way
Burglars tried but failed to break into Wok This Way, 6607 S. Cicero. The shuttered restaurant’s owner told police that he was notified by his alarm company at about 9 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 18 that there was a power outage. Investigation showed that power lines had been cut and a window was broken—but no entry was apparently made. Additionally, the lock on the utility box containing the electric meter was broken. The owner reported the crime to police two days after it occurred.

Stove swiped from vacant home
Burglars broke into a vacant home in the 5400 block of South Kolin and stole a Kenmore stove. The crime was discovered a realty agent, a 45-year-old man, at 4:30p.m. Thursday, Jan. 18.

Window AC unit gives access to burglars
Burglars removed a window air conditioning unit at a home in the 6200 block of South Narragansett, entered the home and stole four TVs, a copier and three bottles of cologne—according to the victim, a 73-year-old Oak Lawn man. The crime was reported to police at 11:04 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 17.

Jackhammer and more taken from garage
Burglars forced open the overhead door of a garage in the 5000 block of South Kildare and stole a jackhammer, a brick saw, a grinder, two saw blades, a rotary hammer and a table saw. The crime was discovered by the victim, a 40-year-old man, at about 5 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 18.

Unlocked window used by burglars
Burglars entered the unlocked rear window of a home in the 3800 block of West 64th Place and stole a nail gun, six drills, a saw, a compressor and other power tools. The crime was discovered by the victim, a 33-year-old man, at about 8 a.m. Friday, Jan. 19. The victim told police the crime apparently occurred while he was at home in another part of his house and did not hear it.

Burglars hit garage on Kedvale
Burglars forced open the service door of a garage in the 4400 block of South Kedvale and stole a bicycle, a bike lock and chain, a power washer, four SUV tires, a toolbox filled with tools, a snow blower, a lawnmower, a ladder and three Coleman canopies. The crime was discovered by the victim, a 37-year-old man, at 4:15 p.m. Friday, Jan. 19.

Bike, drills stolen from garage
Burglars forced open the service door of a garage in the 3900 block of West 69th Street and stole a bicycle and three drills. The crime was reported by the victim, a 43-year-old woman, at 12:15 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 17.

No sign of forced in entry in home heist
A 21-year-old West Lawn woman reported that someone stole her Xbox video game console—as well as two controllers and four video games—from her home in the 6100 block of South Karlov. The items were discovered missing at about 8:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 18 by her brother. There was no sign of forced entry at the home, police said.




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Saturday, January 20, 2018

Seniors Invited to Sweetheart Bingo

Bingo party coming up on Valentine's Day for everyone age 55 and up, at the Garfield Ridge Satellite Senior Center. Click the image below for details!





Wednesday, January 17, 2018

Big Reward Offered in Victor Felix Case

By Tim Hadac
Managing Editor
Southwest Chicago Post

OK, so somebody somewhere has information that can lead to the arrest and conviction of the disgraceful, cowardly punk who shot and killed Victor Felix Jr. on June 1, 2016.

To that person with the information: an award awaits you--up to $1,000. Details below. And you can remains anonymous and still collect the reward. Cook County Crime Stoppers is a trusted organization that has been paying cash rewards and solving crimes for more than 30 years.



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Monday, January 15, 2018

Crime News Update

Editor's note: The crime news reported by the Southwest Chicago Post---taken directly from Chicago Police Department incident reports---is not by any means an exhaustive catalogue of all crime reported in the Chicago Lawn (8th) District. For example, it typically does not include news of crimes committed in the eastern and southern sectors of the district---because the Southwest Chicago Post's coverage area is primarily the neighborhoods that border Midway Airport and secondarily because including the relatively large volume of crime news from elsewhere in the district would be a logistical challenge. We make this note to offer a little helpful perspective and remind everyone that while crime is definitely a concern in all parts of the district (as it always has been), crime remains relatively low overall in the western section of the district. May all of us work together diligently to keep it that way. May all of us also remember that a person charged with a crime is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

* * *

Vittum Park man charged with murder
A 19-year-old Vittum Park man is due in bond court today to answer charges that he shot
Lewis Pelayo Jr.
and killed a 28-year-old Chicago Lawn man during an argument at a gas station in the 4900 bock of South Cicero at 5:34 a.m. Thursday, January 11.


Lewis Pelayo Jr., of the 5000 block of South Leamington, is charged with one felony count of first-degree murder, two felony counts of aggravated unlawful use of a weapon/Veh/Fir Loaded/No FOID, one felony count of possession of a controlled substance, one felony count of possession of cannabis and three misdemeanor counts of resisting/obstructing a peace officer.

A law enforcement source said that Pelayo confessed to the crime and that police recovered two guns from him during a traffic stop near 5687 S. Archer at about 3:30 p.m. Friday, January 12.


The victim, said by a law enforcement source to be a documented gangbanger, is Miguel Islas, of the 6100 block of South Washtenaw. He was shot 6-7 times, police said, and was dead on arrival at a local hospital.


* * *

Want to work directly with Chicago Police to prevent crime in your neighborhood? If you live in Beat 811 (see map), come to Good Shepherd Presbyterian Church, 5550 S. Merrimac, at 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, January 16 and attend your monthly CAPS meeting. Hear updates on crime in your neighborhood and learn how you can work with neighbors and police to make the community safer and better for all.

* * *

Woman robbed at gunpoint on 59th Street
A 53-year-old Chicago Lawn woman was robbed at gunpoint as she walked west down a sidewalk in front of 4532 W. 59th St. at 6:05 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 13. The victim told police a thug walked up, waved a pistol and demanded cash and her cellphone. He also threatened to shoot her if she was not quick. The victim surrendered her backpack, which contained her wallet, cellphone, $20 cash and other items. The robber then ran away north on Kolmar. He was described as a black man age 22-26, about 5-foot-9 and 145 pounds, wearing black pants and a black jacket with white lettering on the right front.

7-Eleven manager fights off robber
A 44-year-old manager of the 7-Eleven at 4353 W. 55th St. successfully fought off a robber who invaded his office at about 1 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 10. The victim told police that a criminal armed with a screwdriver tried to choke him. They struggled for about 30 seconds, and then the robber fled with an accomplice who was acting as a lookout. They ran away west, and the robber dropped the screwdriver on the ground. The lookout reportedly stole a cellphone belonging to the convenience store. The offenders were described as black men. One was 48-52 years old, about 5-foot-11 and 180 pounds, with a dark complexion. He wore a black sweater, blue jeans and a black skull cap. The other was 26-30 years of age, about 5-foot-11 and 180 pounds, with a dark complexion. He wore a black jacket, blue jeans and a gray skull cap.



Thug robs bakery
An armed bandit robbed Dunajec Bakery, 5060 S. Archer, at 3:20 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 10. Both a clerk and a witness—two 21-year-old women--told police that the robber initially posed as a customer before he pulled a gun and demanded that the cash register be opened. The clerk complied and surrendered about $200 cash. He then demanded the personal belongings of the two women. When they refused, he ran away north on Kedvale. He was described as a black man age 30-39, about 6-foot-1 and 180 pounds, with a light complexion. He wore a bright green safety vest, black overalls, a black ski mask, black gloves and a black ski cap. A law enforcement source said the robber may be the same thug who robbed a store at 4124 W. 47th St. on Dec. 23.

Bust man--again--for threatening others
A 32-year-old Hearst area man with a history of arrests for assault was apprehended at
Jeffery Bedenfield
9:31 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 13 after he allegedly used a knife to threaten a customer and staff at Dunkin’ Donuts, 4649 S. Cicero. Jeffery S. Bedenfield, of the 4600 block of South Leamington, was stopped by police as he walked west on 46th Street from Cicero. They said they found a knife with a seven-inch blade inside his hoody pocket. The customer he allegedly threatened was gone from the scene, but the Dunkin’ Donuts manager, who told police that Bedenfield has been a problem in the past at the shop, signed a complaint. He was arrested at the same Dunkin' Donuts on Nov. 6 on a similar charge. He is due in court at 51st and Wentworth on March 15.


garfieldridgenw.com

Thug uses stick to rob woman
A 43-year-old West Lawn woman was robbed as she stood on a sidewalk in the 3700 block of West 64th Street at 12:10 a.m. Friday, Jan. 12. The victim told police that a criminal drove up in a small white vehicle, got out and threatened her with a stick. She surrendered her purse—which included $120 cash—when the robber raised his arm and appeared to be about to hit her. He then drove away east on 64th Street. The thug was described as a Hispanic man about 5-foot-9, wearing a black skull cap, a black ski mask and a black jacket.

Rehabbers robbed at gunpoint
Three rehabbers working on a vacant home in the 5500 block of South Keeler were robbed at gunpoint at 2:20 p.m. Friday, Jan. 12. The victims—a 56-year-old Wheeling man, a 50-year-old Streamwood man and a 26-year-old Chicago Lawn man—were ordered to lie on the kitchen floor, which they did. The robber then went through their pockets and took their wallets, cellphones, a backpack, a set of earrings and other items. The robber than fled the premises. The thug was described as a black man age 25-30, about 6-foot-1 and 200 pounds, with brown eyes, black hair and a medium complexion. He wore a dark hoody and light-colored pants.


Man robbed behind building
A 53-year-old Lombard man was robbed at gunpoint as he stood in a parking lot behind a building in the 5200 block of South Keeler at 8:40 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 10. The victim told police that a masked thug walked up, put a small revolver to the victim’s head and demanded his belongings. The victim surrendered his cellphone, and the robber fled to a waiting gray Jeep Grand Cherokee, which sped away. The gunman was described only as a black man.

Business owner robbed in vacant lot
A 46-year-old Brighton Park man was robbed at gunpoint as he walked through a vacant lot at 2547 W. 63rd St. at 4:20 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 9. An owner of a nearby business, the victim told police he was walking back to his shop from a nearby store when he was accosted by a gunman who said, “Give me your f~ckin’ wallet or I’ll kill ya.” The victim surrendered his wallet—which reportedly contained $200 cash—and the robber ran west on 63rd Street. The thug was described as a black man age 18, about 5-foot-9 and 150 pounds, with brown eyes, short black hair and a medium complexion. He wore a black ski cap, a black jacket and black pants.

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Roughed up while relieving himself
A 47-year-old Back of the Yards man was robbed at gunpoint in an alley behind 7032 W. 63rd St. at 6:55 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 9. The victim told police he had been waiting for a CTA bus, but walked to the alley to urinate. He said he was then accosted by two men who asked him what he was doing. He said he apologized to the two men, but one put what felt like a gun to the back of his head. The other went through his pockets, and his wallet fell out. The wallet contained $6 cash, and the robber threw it back at him. They both fled in a waiting vehicle. One robber was described as 5-foot-10 and 185 pounds, wearing a black mask and a black hoody. The other was described as 6-foot-2 and 225 pounds, wearing a gray hoody with red letters.

Thug with box cutter robs teen
A 19-year-old West Lawn man was robbed as he walked down a sidewalk in front of 5400 S. Hamlin at 12:15 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 9. The victim told police that a man walked up and asked, “What you is?” He then waved a box cutter and said, “Give me all your sh~t.” The robber then snatched the victim’s bookbag and made him unlock his cellphone. The offender then fled with the victim’s belongings into a vehicle, which sped away. The robber was described only as a white man. There was no description of the vehicle.



Guns, cash swiped from Clearing home
Burglars forced open the sliding glass door of a home in the 6400 block of South Laporte and reportedly stole two handguns and $7,150 cash. The crime was discovered by one of the victims, a 47-year-old man, at 3:20 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 10.

House for sale broken into
Burglars broke into a home in the 5300 block of South Kenneth, damaged some appliances and tampered with a burglar alarm but apparently failed to steal anything. The crime was discovered by the victim, a 45-year-old man, at 9:20 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 10. The victim became aware of a problem when a real estate agent trying to show the home to prospective buyers was unable to get inside.

Homeowner thwarts garage burglar
Burglars fled empty-handed after a 59-year-old West Elsdon man struggled with one of them at his garage in the 5100 block of South Lawndale at 1:20 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 11. Alerted by his sister that a man was trying to break into the garage, the victim ran outside and struggled with the burglar, who had already broken in. He opened the overhead door and fled to a waiting vehicle, which then sped away north through the alley. The burglar was described as a Hispanic man in his late 20s, about 5-foot-6 and 155 pounds, with facial hair and all black clothing.

Storage unit looted
A 33-year-old Archer Heights man visiting his rented storage unit at 4225 S. Pulaski on Saturday, Jan. 6—after a five-month absence—said that a number of his belongings were missing, including two laptop computers and a variety of disc jockey equipment including microphones, speakers, projectors and lights. The police report did not indicate if there was any sign of forced entry. 

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